Yoga Storytime 101

Combining basic yoga movements into library storytime is becoming more popular. Yes, yoga storytime is both adorable and fun, but with a little understanding and intentionality, it can also be a powerful strategy for boosting early learning.

This webinar will provide a basic introduction to yoga storytime. Research into the relationship between movement and early literacy will be shared, along with yoga’s natural alignment with young children’s playfulness and imagination. Simple shapes, great books, and fun songs will all be shared, leaving participants ready to move in their next storytime!

At the conclusion of webinar, participants will be able to:

Define physical literacy

Understand how movement can enhance preschool early learning

Know several basic yoga shapes they can comfortably use with preschoolers

Know several books they can adapt for physical storytelling

Katie Scherrer – Biography

Katie Scherrer is a consultant, trainer, and writer who works with libraries and educational organizations across the country.As a Children’s Librarian from 2005-2012, Katie’s work was focused on developing creative partnerships that engage Spanish-speaking while simultaneously presenting solutions to real-life challenges. In 2012, she became a consultant, helping others develop strategies for engaging diverse families, particularly in areas of the country where demographics are changing rapidly, but bilingual/bicultural staff are still lacking. Simultaneously, Katie’s life was changed by mindfulness and yoga beginning in 2004. These practices brought greater acceptance, curiosity, and awareness into all aspects of her life, including her professional work. She began teaching children’s yoga in 2013, became a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) in 2015, and published Stories, Songs, and Stretches! Creating Playful Storytimes with Yoga and Movement in 2017 with ALA Editions. In 2018, Katie launched “Stories, Songs, and Stretches!” This early learning startup offers certification and guidance to professionals from a wide variety of fields and experience levels in the intentional use of mindful movement to enhance preschool early learning through embodied play.

Katie is the co-author, along with Dr. Jamie Campbell Naidoo, of Once Upon a Cuento: Bilingual Storytimes in English and Spanish, (2016, ALA Editions). She served as a member of the 2013 Pura Belpré book award committee and was an appointee to the planning task force for the 20th Anniversary of the Pura Belpré Award. She is an active, lifetime member of Reforma – The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking. She is also an active member of the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), and a current member of the Early Childhood Programs and Services task force.